// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

SLBM

An SLBM, or Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile, is a long-range missile designed to be fired from a submarine, primarily used to deliver nuclear weapons. They are a key part of a country's nuclear deterrent.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

A Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) is a critical component of a nation's nuclear triad, providing a stealthy, survivable second-strike capability by deploying ballistic missiles, often with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs) carrying nuclear warheads, from a submerged ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).

BACKGROUND

The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States. United States federal law establishes six armed forces: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, each assigned specific roles and operational domains. With the exception of the Coast Guard, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in peacetime, the services are organized under the Department of Defense (DoD).

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Submarine ballistic missile
  • SSBN missile
  • Strategic submarine missile
  • Polaris
  • Trident

USAGE NOTE

SLBMs are primarily associated with global strategic deterrence and are operated by a few nuclear-armed nations, ensuring a retaliatory strike capability even if land-based forces are destroyed.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to SLBM.

  • Lockheed Martin

    A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company that serves as the prime contractor for the Trident II (D5) Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile for the United States and United Kingdom.

  • Makeyev Design Bureau

    A leading Russian developer of ballistic missile technology, responsible for designing and developing several generations of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) for the Russian Navy.

  • ArianeGroup

    A joint venture between Airbus and Safran, providing expertise in propulsion systems and prime contractorship for strategic missiles, including the M51 SLBM for the French deterrent force.

  • China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC)

    A state-owned Chinese defense contractor involved in the research, development, and manufacturing of various missile systems, including submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).

  • Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO)

    India's premier agency for military research and development, responsible for developing its strategic missile systems, including the K-series submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

  • US Department of Defense (DoD)

    The primary governmental agency responsible for the development, procurement, and deployment of the United States' strategic weapons systems, including the Trident D5 SLBM program.

  • French Ministry of Armed Forces

    Oversees the development, procurement, and maintenance of France's nuclear deterrent, which includes the M51 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile.

  • Agency for Defense Development (ADD)

    South Korea's national agency for research and development in defense technology, actively developing advanced defense systems including submarine-launched ballistic missile capabilities.

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